Council Bluffs, IA Music Theory Lessons

ide textbooks, some staff paper to jot notes on,etc, or recording equipment if necessary.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in rock & roll and all the of the music that it is built upon. Anything from blues to country to R&B to bluegrass is something I have a strong fascination and background with. I am also extremely well versed in college level music theory.

to EVERY endeavor whether it's music or math or soccer. I require practice on the student's part. You will be able to play recognizable songs within your first month. You tell me what you or your child wants out of music lessons, and I will tell you exactly how to get it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson will happen in a space next to the family room which is upstairs. Teacher has a collection of instruments, music stands, couches for seating. Park on the street or driveway.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Instrument

*** Specialties ***
I'm flexible. I have taught everything from country western guitar to classical guitar, from Jazz trumpet to orchestral audition music, from barbershop singing to Broadway musical singing. I have even taught ballet. I cater my methods to the student's best learning style.

we find to explore! As of February 2013, I am also available through TakeLessons' online instruction program! Please find more information below and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks!

Zachary B.

A native of Charlotte, NC, Zachary began his musical career as a tuba player and jazz bass guitarist. While attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zachary began singing in various vocal groups on campus and developed his love for the singing voice. With encouragement from the music faculty, Zachary began training as an operatic baritone while at UNC. While attending UNC, Zachary was awarded both the Fischer Scholarship in Voice and the Tony McDowell Voice Scholarship. His singing brought him to Boston in the summer of 2010 to begin study at The Boston Conservatory. While performing various opera roles and attending summer programs, Zachary also opened his private studio and taught at a local music academy.

Baritone Zachary B. is quickly establishing himself as an active operatic performer. Equally at home on the recital stage, his versatile lyric baritone voice fits a wide range of repertoire and styles. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Zachary has performed roles like the titular role in Don Giovanni, Ramiro in L'Heure Espagnole, L'horloge comtoise in L'Enfant et les sortileges, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief.

Starting in February 2013, Zachary will also be available through TakeLessons for online instruction. Lessons will still focus on energy, breath, and solid technique, so please contact him if you think this venue of instruction will be a good fit!

*** Lesson Details ***
Regardless of your background, I believe in making lessons fun, encouraging, and accessible. This means that my work with you will, by nature, be incredibly personal and always formulated for your specific musical goals. I will constantly strive to make sure you are comfortable in our work together as we explore singing, speaking, and music theory.

I believe every singing or speaking voice can benefit from a foundation in classical vocal technique. Whether you prefer to learn through singing songs or through various exercises, I can customize our lesson plan to fit your needs. Therefore, I provide a fun and engaging lesson atmosphere, but you need to bring your best as well! We will both be happier with the process if we are equally invested in your growth. We will start with something you already know (an aria, vocal exercise, or excerpt from a song) and work toward singing in your preferred vocal style. For example, classical singers will build their knowledge of English, German, Italian, and French diction and song styles. Additionally, I will always respect and include my student's musical interests.

Along the way, I am happy to address basic music theory ideas. If you prefer, we can also spend additional time reviewing and learning those principles to enrich your musical experience. I will always provide different exercises and ideas to keep your brain active in the singing process.

I believe in whole body, whole spirit singing. As a performer, I employ a variety of holistic exercises and theories to develop my own voice, such as basic Alexander Technique principles, voice therapy techniques, a variety of pedagogical palates, and energy work. If these sorts of things interest you, I am more than happy to incorporate them into our lessons. My personal results with those practices have been incredible, so I am always eager to share.

My personality is outgoing and energetic, so I bring that sort of atmosphere to a lesson. I expect preparedness and readiness on your part to maximize our work together. My greatest desire in teaching is to see you grow! So, if a challenging, yet comforting, work environment sounds like something you would like to try, consider scheduling a trial lesson with me. I am always happy to hear from new students!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Open area between the living room and the dining room, seating available, piano to accompany the voice lesson, garage/driveway/street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I prefer for my students to have a keyboard or piano, and if possible, a music stand. We can always make a situation work if the student does not have access to these tools. I provide music, pencils, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am an opera singer, and specialize in classical singing. However, I apply similar vocal technique to all genres of music, and focus on breathing technique, body and energy awareness, and discuss a holistic approach to singing with all students.

the distinguished Anne Adams Awards Harp Competition where she has been a main Director for fifteen years. She has served as the President of the Orange County Harp Society Chapter as well as a board member of the Bay Area Harp Society Chapter.

Alexandra received her Bachelor's Degree from DePauw University, majoring in Music and Anthropology. She also completed premedical studies at DePauw after spending her Junior year studying harp at the University of Oregon. She received her Master's Degree from Roosevelt University in Orchestral Studies, and did post graduate work at the University of Southern California in Harp Performance and Anthropology.

Alexandra's harp teachers have included: Sarah Bullen, Sally Maxwell, Edward Druzinsky, JoAnn Turovsky, Harriet Thompson Moore, Kara Bershad, Faye Seeman, Joy Andreasen, and Neva Lydiard. She has also had many mentors who have guided her life and career including: Kathleen Bride, Victor Salvi, Sally Maxwell, Patricia Masri- Fletcher, Robin Gordon- Cartier, Carrie Kourkoumelis, Dr. Craig Pare, and Karen Thielen.

Alexandra has performed in many master classes given by such internationally known harpists as Skaila Kanga, Jana Bouskova, Marie Pierre Langlamet, and Bryn Lewis. She has also organized many masterclasses and events featuring: Kathleen Bride, Sarah Bullen, Gwyneth Wentink, Patricia Masri - Fletcher, Louise Vickerman, Sivan Magen, Sasha Boldachev, Ina Zdorovetchi, Angel Padilla Crespo, Elzbieta Szmytt, Susan Allen, Gayle Levant, Stella Castelucci, Robin Gordon Cartier, Emmanuel Ceysson, Yolanda Kondonasis, and Kim Robertson.
 
Alexandra has performed extensively throughout North America and Europe as a soloist, with small ensembles, and as an orchestral harpist. She has appeared in several television shows such as General Hospital. Her playing,"Is filled with care, artistry, and mature interpretation. She is a talented musician, well rounded in her knowledge of music, and has a healthy curiosity in areas beyond music." (Donald Chen, conductor) "Everything I heard was sensitive, artistic, and had beautiful intonation." (Richard Ferrin, violist emeritus, Chicago Symphony Orchestra).

In addition to playing, Alexandra has also served as the Ambassador for Salvi Harps in North America for the past eleven years. She has given numerous masterclasses and workshops in addition to performing at National Harp Conferences and National and Regional music showcases. In her role as National Sales Manager, she helped harpists from all over the world find their dream harps, learn to care for them, and has mentored them along the way.

Apart from harp activities, Alexandra also enjoys teaching middle school, teaching piano, coaching rowing, participation in sports activities, and writing articles for various journals including: The American Harp Journal, Chicago Health Magazine, and Atlanta Health Magazine. She also enjoys being a board member on the DePauw University Alumni Board and she enjoys working on music startup companies.

*** Lesson Details ***

As a HARP teacher, all of my
students play scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises in
their lessons. I believe having a strong technical base is the foundation for
every part of playing and you can't learn without it. I will set the repertoire
for students according to their technical progress and although I may
take into consideration a student's desires to learn a certain piece, there has
to be time and they have to be ready for it. I have both short term and long
term goals for each student that involve theory, technical ability, and
repertoire: fun, orchestral and solo. Adult students still have to learn
technique, it makes things much more fun and easy six months later, I promise! Beginning students will learn how to read notes, understand basic theory, and technique in a short amount of time, so don't be scared if you have never had a music lesson before. 

I require all students make
at least half an hour a day commitment to practice. I teach mostly the Grandjany method of harp technique, however, I also use Salzedo and Renie methods
at times to fit a particular students' build and unique physical attributes as well as what the piece requires. I
have studied all techniques throughout my education and I find them all
beneficial for different reasons. I do, however, believe everyone is built
differently and the technique should help the harpist play and not hinder them
from achieving their goals. Everyone learns at a different speed, but as a
brand new musician, after six months practicing regularly, you should be able
to read music fluently, understand basic theory concepts, be able to play with
both hands and four fingers on each hand, play all of the basic scales and
arpeggios musically and be able to play at least one piece memorized.
Curriculum is based on the student's technical ability and issues and is
individually created – if you learn slower than someone else, don’t worry about
your pace. In the end, lessons are about you personally and not someone else.

As a PIANO teacher, I want students to learn about music and not just the piano. Students will learn basic music theory and basic scales as a part of their lessons. They will also occasionally choose a song of their choosing to work on chords. I do promote note reading and theory, so I am not the right teacher for students who don't want to invest time in learning the basics. These basics are the building blocks of all music and can be used for any instrument the student chooses to learn in the future.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have harps and a piano at my studio, so you do not need to bring your harp to lessons. If you don't own a harp, you can rent one for around $45/month from several sources. 

*** Specialties ***
HARP - Grandjany Technique with an incorporation of Salzedo and French school depending on the player's body type and technical difficulties. I make use of the ABRSM as well as local, national, and international competitions depending on the student's level of commitment.

PIANO - I teach basic piano for fun through an Intermediate level. Although some students choose to take CM and ABRSM exams, I do not push them. I want students to enjoy piano and music lessons.

in my schedule to teach any one who is serious about excelling on his/her instrument. I look forward to helping you reach your potential.

student.

My personal passion is Jazz music but I firmly believe that great technique is essential to any and every style. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician! Currently, I sing for two different Big Bands that gig around Winchester, VA. gigging regularly & produce artists for their own projects. I spent much of the past 7 years performing and touring Colorado, Alaska, and now Virginia.

Senobia W